At Stanford Builders Supply, our mission is to enrich home improvement and construction experiences with a personal touch and deep-rooted local values. As a small, locally-owned business founded in Stanford, KY, we are committed to providing high-quality building materials and home improvement products at fair prices. We pride ourselves on delivering the kind of attentive, personalized service that reflects our own values and community spirit. Our commitment extends to supporting small businesses and local blue-collar workers, championing their success and contributing to their growth. By building relationships based on honesty and integrity, we foster trust within our community and invest in its prosperity. At Stanford Builders Supply, we believe in the power of local partnerships and are dedicated to helping our neighbors and fellow workers thrive.

Our Vision

Our vision at Stanford Builders Supply is to be the cornerstone of home improvement and construction in Stanford, KY, renowned for our dedication to quality, personalized service, and unwavering support for our community. We aspire to be a catalyst for local growth by empowering small businesses and blue-collar workers, and fostering an environment where local talent and entrepreneurial spirit can flourish. By championing the needs and aspirations of the people and businesses in our town, we aim to strengthen our community, enhance its vibrancy, and contribute to its enduring success and prosperity.

Builder's Supply is proud to be a contributing member of our community.  It is our privilege to be a member of the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.  We proudly support Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Heritage Hospice, Lincoln County Changers, Lions Club, 4-H , Logan's Fort Foundation, Schools, Churches, Sports Teams and various other non profit organizations.  

How Builder's Supply Shaped a Community

In 1963, U.S. Army Veteran and University of Kentucky graduate H.R. "Short" Saufley III saw potential where others saw only an abandoned skating rink and an old Cowden Manufacturing plant. He envisioned a bustling hub of community and commerce, and thus, the story of Builders Supply began.

Starting with little more than some hardware and paint, Short faced the challenge of growing a business from the ground up. The early days were marked by hard work and determination. He vividly recalls the men loading the company truck at the railroad depot in Stanford, unloading rail cars by hand. Each trip back to the lumber yard was a testament to their grit, as they manually stocked the yard.

Builders Supply’s initial years were rooted in relationship-building with local contractors. With a dedicated team by his side, Short expanded operations, developing local residential neighborhoods. As the community grew, so did Builder's Supply’s influence and outreach.

A pivotal moment came in 1971 when Short joined the Do it Best Co-op. This strategic move allowed Builders Supply to compete with larger stores and gain substantial buying power. The convenience of having lumber trucked in from reload centers was a far cry from the early days of unloading by hand.

In 1989, Short's daughter Lee, a Rollins College graduate, returned to join the family business. Her transition from a property development company in Atlanta was seamless, as she had spent her childhood immersed in her father's blueprints. Together, Short and Lee recognized the need to evolve with the times. They envisioned a signature home center that would reflect the community's heritage while offering a comprehensive range of products for new construction and remodeling.

Over the next seven years, plans for a new store were meticulously crafted. The chosen site was the old "Cree-Mee Drive-In," a beloved local landmark. Upon completion of the new building, the original location was repurposed for parking, seamlessly blending the past with the future.

In September 2007, the new Builder's Supply store officially opened its doors. From its humble beginnings, it had grown into a thriving business and was the 912th member of the Do it Best Co-op. Today, with over 6,000 members, the Co-op provides Builder's Supply with access to millions of products, ensuring they can meet any customer's needs. Offering free ship-to-store internet purchases, Builders Supply prides itself on its dedicated staff who expertly handle custom building packages, doors, cabinetry, flooring, and paint orders.

While the days of unloading lumber at the train depot are long gone, the core values upon which Builders Supply was founded remain steadfast. The dedicated team continues to uphold the principles of hard work, community, and exceptional service. Welcome to Builders Supply, where tradition meets innovation, and where we are proud to serve our community.